Fluid dispensing apparatus



Sept. 19, 1939. H. T. Goss 2,173,477

FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed May 6, 1951 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 fuel' l ln Mmmm im I '2. D INVENTOR j y uam; 1A@ I A BY 44 A1ToRNl-:YS

,3 MW Y (wal/EV SePt- 19 1939- H. T. Goss FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS a sneets-sneet ls Filed May 6, 1931 il.: al? En; hb

INVENTOR Hww, if. /vw

BY ArroRNEYs Sept. 19, 1939. H. T. Goss FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed hay e, 1931 BY/A ATTORNEYS Sept. 19, 1939. H. T. Goss FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed May 6, 1931 8 Sheets-Shea?l 5 l- NVENTCR Sept. 19, 1939. H. T. Goss FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed May 6, 1931 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR gama 111W ATTORNEYS Sept. 19, 1939. H T. Goss 2,173,477

FLUID DI SPENS ING APPARATUS Filed May 6, 1 931 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR )4Q/w3 U. ,M

Filed May 6, 1931 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 EN w 2N A ma @a a m M/f uw mu/ ll|l Il 'wwx n W2# hmmm. mm. Nv.

Tm mm INVENTOR BY/w ATTORNEYS BMZM+QMJ Patented Sept. 19, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT -oFFlcE FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Harry T. Goss, Rutherford, N. J.; Marie Nelson Goss, executrix of said Harry T. Goss. deceased,

assignor to L. N. S.

Corporation, New York,

27 Claims.

This invention relates broadly to fluid dispensing devices such as are adapted to dispense gasoline and other liquid fuels at roadside service stations and the like, of the kind in which the pump is automatically actuated, as by a motor, whereby the delivery is continuous and the salesman, instead of 'operating a pump handle to serve the iluid may stand at the vehicle tank where he can see exactly how much the tank will hold and serve it without spilling.

In uid dispensing devices heretofore known, the volume of uid delivered from the nozzle has been indicated by pointers travelling over a graduated dial, which pointers were manually returned to zero. The disadvantage of a dial with a manually reset pointer is that a dishonest salesman, by working quickly, can fail to return the pointer all the way to zero and-so short measure the purchaser.

One object of the present invention is to provide indicating mechanism for a fluid dispensing device in which the return to initial position or zero of the indicator is automatic, in the sense that, once the return to zero is initiated, it cannot be manually halted before the indicating means reaches initial position. Q

Another object of the invention is to prevent tampering with the devices indicating the units of uid delivered, when a sale is being made. To this end, the indicator returning devices are disposed within the housing so that access thereto cannot be had.

It is also an object to avoid confusion in reading the indication of the units of fluid delivered. Accordingly, indicating mechanism is provided wherein the only figure visible to the purchaser and salesman is the number of say, gallons actually delivered in that transaction.

It is a further object of the invention that the indication of the number of units of iiuid purchased shall remain visible until the next transaction.

The invention also seeks the initiation of the operation of the device automatically upon removal of the nozzle from its support. To this end, the source of power and a clutch between the metering device and the registering mechanism is controlled by the nozzle when on its support and the operation of devices actuating the clutch is initiated by the removal of the nozzle from the support.

Yet another object of the invention is the control of the initiation of the actuation of the fluid delivery means by the nozzle. The source of power, for instance, the motor circuit, is rendered inoperative when the nome is on its-support and rendered operable by devices released by the removal of the nozzle from its support.

Still another object of the invention is the automatic initiation of the operation of the fluid elevating means. Accordingly, the operation of the huid elevating means is initiated by the return of the indicating means to initial position.

In realizing the invention, the nozzle by which the fluid is delivered, say, to the tank of a motor vehicle is normally carried upon a movable support when in inactive position. So soon as the nozzle is lifted from its support, the indicating devices, such as the dials, are released from the drive by the meter and are Permitted to be returned to zero position by suitable power means. When the indicating means returns to initial position, the metering devices are immediately reconnected thereto and the fluid elevating means automatically commences to function rto deliver uid. After the desired quantity of fluid has been delivered and the nozzle returned to its support, the fluid elevating means is caused to cease op- .eration but the indicating means remains operatively connected to the metering means so as to retain the indication of the number of units of r'ieasure of duid delivered until the next transacion.

These and other objects of the invention and the means for their attainment will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating one embodiment by which the invention may be realized, and in which:

Figure 1 is a view showing, in elevation, a fragmentary portion of a fluid dispensing standard provided with means whereby the number of units of iiuid dispensed is indicated to the purchaser, a portion of the standard being broken away to show details of the nozzle support in accordance with this invention.

Figure 2 is a view showing, in side elevation, the index mechanism of the fluid dispensing device, looking, say from the right in Figure l.

Figure 3 is a. transverse vertical sectional view of the index mechanism taken in the plane indi cated by the line 3-3 in Figure 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows and showing specifically the nozzle support, bell and counter mechanism.

Figure 4 is a detail view showing the cam and pawl which operates the bell and counter.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken in a transverse vertical plane indicated by the line 5 5 of Figure 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows and showing particularly the return to zero mechanism.

Figure 6 is a longitudinally vertical sectional view taken in the plane indicated by the line 6--6 of Figure 1, looking in the direction ofthe arrows and showing particularly the clutch mechanism interposed between the meter shaft and the index dial and the actuating mechanism for the clutch.

Figure '1 is a 4detail of the clutch mechanism taken in the plane indicated by the line 1-1 in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is an .enlarged sectional view of the lower part of the structure shown in Figure 2 with the parts in the same position but with certain of the mechanism omitted in the interest of clearness, showing in dotted lines the psition of parts when the index mechanism is disconnected from the meter shaft and also showing the connection between this mechanism and the controls for the electrical circuit.

Figure 9 is an isometric view showing the mechanism which controls the sequence of operation of the apparatus but with associated parts removed in the interest of clearness.

Figure 10 is a view showing the interior of the control box and the several sets of contacts and other controlling mechanism.

Figure 11 is a sectional view of the control box taken in the plane indicated by the line of Figure 10 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 12 is a somewhat schematic view showing the various control and holding circuits of the mechanism.

Referring first to Figure 1, in the illustrated embodiment, a dispensing standard or housing 20 of any convenient shape, is adapted to support and contain the devices for elevating liquid from a tank (not shown), say, beneath the ground and measuring it for delivery from a valve controlled nozzle 22 on the end of a hose 24 into say, the fuel tank of a motor vehicle. Liquid flow establishing means such as a pump 25, driven by the motor 28, elevates the liquid through the pipe 30 to meter 32 from which the liquid passes by a pipe 34 to the connection 36 for the hose 24. The pump 26, motor 28, meter 32 and a control box 38 containing the contacts for the motor circuits are indicated in dotted lines in Figure 1,

In the front of the housing and at a desirable elevation where it may be easily visible or, if desired, in both the front and back walls thereof, the housing 20 is formed with openings 40, (Figure 6) preferably circular, closed by a circular cover member 42 which in turn is formed with an opening 44 by which the dial 46 indicating the number of units of measure of fluid delivered from the nozzle 22 is visible. Behind this opening 44'is an index finger 41 indicating the initial or zero position of the dial 46. This opening 44 is conveniently closed by a magnifying lens 48. Also formed in the cover member 42 is an opening 50, containing a bearing 52 for the stub shaft 54 upon which a pointer 56 is mounted, outwardly of the cover 42 and within a transparent closure 58 carried thereby. The pointer 56 is adapted to travel over a dial 60 (Figure 1) to register fractions of the units of measure of the fluid delivered.

The mechanism indicating the units of measure of the fluid delivered from the nozzle 22 is supported upon and above a transverselyY extending supporting means shown as a transverse frame 52, referred to hereinafter for convenience as a platform, carried upon pillars 54 extending upwardly within the housing 20 from the base of or support forthe structure and which platform 62 also carries below it, if desired, the meter 32. Upon the platform 82 at the front and rear thereof, respectively, between the pillars are bearing frames 64 (Figure 2) which are suitably braced and spaced by the spacing rods 66 which pass through the frames 84 and abut, if desired, against the front and rear walls of the dispensing standard or housing 20.

Journalled preferably substantially centrally of the bearing frames 54 is a freely rotatable dial shaft 58 on the outer ends of which, outwardly of the frames, are spiders 10 each carrying a ring gear 12 and a dial 46. Also journalled in the bearing frames 64, in a lower part thereof, is the jack shaft 14.

During the delivery of the fluid, its flow through the meter 32 causes a rotation of the meter shaft 16 once for each unit of measure of fiuid passing therethrough. The meter shaft 16 is journalled in a bearing 18 carried by the supporting frame 62. The upper end of the meter shaft 16 carries a bevelled pinion 80 which meshes with a bevelled gear 82 loosely mounted on the transverse jack shaft 14 to which it may be clutched to cause the jack shaft 14 to be rotated by the meter 32 and from which it may be declutched to permit the dials to be rotated, say, in the opposite direction independently of the meter shaft, in returning them to zero position. The ratio of the bevel pinion 80 and gear 82 is such that the jack shaft 14 makes one-half revo: lution for each unit of measure of fluid delivered. The jack shaft 14 drives, through a pinion 84 on its end, outwardly of the bearing frame 64, the ring gear 12 carried with the dial 46. Thus the dial 46 is rotated from the meter shaft 18 in direct relation to the number of units of measure of fluid passing through the meter 32. Also carried with the jack shaft 14 is another pinion 86 meshing with the pinion 88 on the stub shaft 54 whereby the split gallon pointer 56 is rotated.

While various types of clutch means may be adopted between the meter shaft 16 and the jack shaft 14, there is illustrated in the drawings, a clutch which is particularly effective for the purpose at hand. A disc 90 of relatively large diameter is carried by the bevel gear 82 and is formed with a relatively large number of teeth adapted to be selectively engaged by a clutch finger or detent 92 comprised in the companion clutch element xed to the jack shaft 84. This clutch finger 92 is formed on one arm 94 of a bell crank like lever 94-96 which is pivoted between its ends, as at 98, on arm |00 fixed on the jack shaft 14 to rotate therewith, the arm |00 having a diametrically opposite extension |02 or counterweight to balance the weight of the clutch elements 92-96 and render smoother and more even the rotation of the jack shaft 14. A spring |04 between the arm |00 and the lever arm 96 normally urges the detent 82 into engagement with the opposing toothed disc clutch member 90. It will be apparent that the greater the number of teeth on the disc 00, the more promptly and more exactly the clutch parts 90, 02 will come into engagement and thus great precision is obtained in the action for a purpose which will be brought out more fully hereinafter.

'I'he clutch is preferably actuated by a collar |06 freely slidable on the jack shaft 14 adapted to be moved into engagement with the clutch arm 86 by which the detent 32 is moved out of engagement with the teeth on the disc against the action of the spring |04 and the Jack shaft 14 is declutched from the meter shaft 16. 'Ihis clutch operating collar |06 is actuated by a forked clutch operating lever |08 (Figure 8), loosely mounted upon a transversely` extending operating shaft ||0. The rotation of this operating shaft ||0 through a predetermined angle to clutch and declutch the jack shaft is effected by the weight of the nozzle 22 on its support through an intermediate instrumentality, hereinafter to be described more in detail. Sumce it to say at this point that in the illustrated embodiment. the clutch operating lever |08 forms one Larm of a bell crank |08, |30 or the equivalent, the other arm |30 of which is adapted to be moved in a counter-clockwise direction by a latching pawl |36 engaging therewith, which is carried by an arm |34 fixed on the operating or rock shaft ||0.

As seen in Figure 1, the nozzle support takes the form of a lever ||2 pivoted as at ||4 in a bearing ||6 on the supporting platform 62 and movable between elevated and depressed positions within a slotted guide frame H8. As shown in the drawings, Figures l and 5, the nozzle supporting lever ||2 has an upwardly extending tongue which may pass through a slot in the guard |22 on the nozzle, thereby holding the nozzle on the support. Obviously, any movable support for an element of the delivery hose is within the purview of the invention.-

Beneath the free end of the lever ||2 is the free end of an arm |22 (Figure 2) also xed on the operating shaft ||0, so that when the nozzle is raised off the supporting lever the arm |22 may move upwardly and rotate the operating shaft ||0 in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 2, thereby moving, by means of lever |34 and lock pawl |36, the clutch operating lever |08 through an angle in a counterclockwise direction to depress the clutch detent arm 06 and release the clutch. The shaft ||0 is normally urged to turn in a counter-clockwise direction by a spring |24 connected at one end to a lug |26 on the frame 62 and at its other end to the end of a downwardly directed arm |28, fixed on the shaft ||0. This spring |24 is of sufficient strength to turn the shaft |I0 and cause the disengagement of the clutch 90, 92 when the nozzle 22 is oi its support II2, but is insufficient to raise the arm ||2 against the weight of the nozzle 22.

For convenience in manufacture, arms |22 and |28 may be formed as a unitary bell crank lever instead of as separate arms fixed on the operating shaft H0.

As has been pointed out hereinbefore, the purpose of disconnecting the jack shaft 14 from the meter shaft 16 is to permit the indicating means 46 and 56 to be returned to zero preparatory to recording the delivery of fluid in the next transaction. In order to prevent a dishonest operator from stopping the indicating means before such means has travelled all the way back to initial or zero position and commencing to deliver uid with the dial registering from that advanced point, latching means are provided which engages the clutch operating lever in clutch releasing position and holds it in such position until the indicating means reaches initial position, when the clutch operating lever is released. It is also not until such time that the pump is permitted to operate. The mechanism for accomplishing this function is illustrated in Figures 6 and 9.

Freely rotatable on the operating shaft ||0 is an arm |30 proximate the clutch operating arm |00 and secured thereto to turn therewith and which may, if desired, be integral with the clutch operating arm |00 to form, in effect, a bell crank lever. At the end of this arm |30 is a stud |32. Also carried on the shaft ||0' and flxed thereto is an arm |34 carrying pivotally at its end a latching pawl |36. The latching pawl |36 has a tripping arm |30 extending outwardly away from operating shaft ||0, and an arm |40 extends generally toward the shaft ||0. A tension spring |42 connected at one end to the arm |40 and at its other end to the arm |34, causes the latching pawl |36 to normally tend to turn in a counterclockwise direction. (as viewed in Figure-6) to cause a notch |44 at its end to engage, at certain times, the lug |32 on the arm |30 of the clutch operating bell crank lever |00, 30 to shift the clutch detent arm 86. 'I'hus when the weight of the delivery means is on its supporting lever ||2 and the shaft I0 rotated to its extreme position in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Figure 6) the arm |34 is depressed. At the same time, the clutch spring |04 forces the lever arm 86 of the clutch detent lever toward the right (as viewed in Figure 6) and permits the parts to engage. The latching lever |36 is beneath the lug |32 and is urged in engagement therewith by the latch spring |42. When the weight of the delivery means is removed from the support, the

spring |24 causes shaft I0 to rotate in a counter-- clockwise direction, the rotation of shaft |34 raises the latching pawl |36, which at that time is in engagement with the lug |32 carrying the lever arm |30 with it to also turn in a counterclockwise direction to throw the clutch and release the jack shaft 14 from the meter shaft during the time that the indicating means 46 and 56 are returning to zero position.

It will be readily appreciated that when the jack shaft 14 is released from the meter shaft 16 by the separation of the clutch elements 00, 92 upon removal of the nozzle 22 from its support ||2 that the dials 46 are freely rotatable in either direction, the jack shaft 14, of course, turning with the dials 46. Provision is made for returning the dials to initial or zero position when so released.

Fixed on the dial shaft 68 is a pinion |46 in mesh with a segmental gear |40, pivoted as at |50 on a fixed part of the framework. A spring |52 (or other power means) secured at one end as at |54 to aflxed part of the frame, is secured at its other end |56 to the arm |58 of the segmental gear |40. When the jack shaft 14 is clutched to the meter shaft 16 and rotated thereby, the dial 46, of course, rotates from zero to register the number of units of measure of the fluid delivered. This rotation, with the consequent rotation of the pinion |46 moves the segmental gear |40 about its pivot |50 against the action of the spring |52 and puts the spring under tension. When the jack shaft 14 is disconnected from the meter shaft 16, the spring |52 causes the segmental gear |48 to turn about its pivot |50 in the opposite direction, thereby rotating the pinion |46 and dial 46 back to zero.

Stop means are provided to halt the zero of the dial at initial position. As shown, a fixed stop |60 is preferably adjustable in a bearing |62 on the frame and is locked in position by the lock nut |64. A part |61 of the segmental gear halt the zero on the dials 46 at the index 41.

The return of the indicating means 46 to initial position causes the reconnection of said indicating means with lthe driving means therefor so that the indicating means may be again moved to measure the units of duid delivered. It will be recalled that when the weight of the nozzle 22 is removed from the supporting lever ||2, the jack shaft 14 is declutched from the meter shaft 16 and one arm |30 of the clutch operating lever |66, |30 is retained in clutch releasing position by the latching pawl |36. When the dial 46 reaches zero position, the latching pawl |36 is released so that the clutch operating lever |06, |36 may rotate in a counter-clockwise direction under the influence of the clutch spring |04 thereby permitting the clutch elements, detent 62 and toothed disc 60, to be reconnected.

A preferred form of releasing means for the latching pawl 36 is illustrated in Figure 9. The latching or hook pawl |36 is generally held in latching engagement with the clutch lever because ofthe tendency of the arm |40 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction under the influence of the hook pawl spring |42. A rocking device is provided to release the hook pawl |36 when the dial 46 reaches zero position. As shown, there is pivoted upon an element of the frame-work, say, a spacing rod 66, a lever normally disposed above the end of the tripping arm |36 of the hook pawl |36 for engagement therewith. This lever- |10 is adapted to be depressed to trip the latch |36 and free the clutch operating lever when the dials 46 reach initial position. Because of the disposition of the parts in the apparatus as a whole, a generally rectangular U-shaped rocking member |12 is pivotally mounted upon one of the cross-rods 66 of the frame-work, the rod 66 passing through the arms of the rocking member. One arm of this rocking member carries, for convenience in manufacture, an extension |14 for engagement by the pin |66. The other arm of this rocking member carries the lock pawl disengaging arm |10, also for convenience in manufacture. When, therefore, as the pin |66 reaches initial position, it engages and depresses the end |14 on the rocking member |12 causing a corresponding depression of the end |10, which depresses the lock pawl arm |36 and causes the pawl |36 to disengage itself from the lug |32 on the clutch operating lever arm |30 permitting the clutch operating lever, therefore, to fall or turn in a counter-clockwise direction under the influence of the clutch spring |04, as the arm 96 is forced away from the arm |00, and allow the clutch elements (detent 92 and toothed wheel 90) to again become engaged.

As has been pointed out hereinbefore, the primary object oi the present invention is to prevent the operator, in dispensing fluid, to halt the dial or other indicating means before it returns completely to initial position and start the delivery of fluid at a time when the dial already registers a quantity of fluid. If, therefore, before the dial reaches initial position the nozzle should be returned to its supporting lever for any reason, the clutch elements may become reengaged, but this will be rare because in ordinary circumstances, the return to zero occurs faster than an operator can manually return the nozzle to its support. Even so, such manipulation will merely result in the stopping of the dial at that point and will not result in the de- 2,173,477 'in is brought against this limiting stop iso io livery of liquid because the operation of the fluid elevating means (pump 26) is not initiated until thev dial reaches zero and this initiation of the pump operation is not within the control of the operator. When, however, the dial rotates to initial position, Itl'ie pin |66 not only releases the locking pawl |36 so as to permit the clutch 60, 02 to re-engage, but .also causes the completion of the'gcircuit through the motor whereby the motor may be started and the pump may be operated .to elevate the uid and cause its delivery. Therefore, because of the requirement that the actuation of the fluid elevating means 26 be not initiated until the indicating means 46 `be returned to initial position, there is a lapse of time after the nozzle 22 is removed from the supporting lever ||2 before the fluid elevating means 26 commences to function. On the other hand, the pump 26 must be stopped so soon as the nozzle is returned to its support, although the zero on the dial remains at a point away from the index. In the illustrated embodiment, therefore, the operation of the pump is controlled by a circuit adapted to be interrupted at two points, one set of contacts in the circuit being closed upon the removal of the nozzle from the hook and consequently opened when the nozzle is returned to the hook, and a second set of contacts in the circuit is closed in order to complete the circuit and-start the pump motor when the indicat-ing means returns to zero position, and which are opened when the indicating means leaves initial position.

Referring now to Figure 12, which shows a diagram of the electrical circuits which make the operations possible: One set of contacts or switch |24 is closed when the nozzle is taken off its support, while the other set of contacts or switch |25 is closed when the dial reaches initial position. In order that the motor 28 can operate, a gap in the motor circuit must be closed by the switches |5|, |52, (for safety sake, four gaps are shown) and the closing of -the contacts |52 is accomplished by an electro-magnet or solenoid |49, the

' circuit of which is not completed until the second switch is closed by the return of the dials to zero position. So soon as the dial 46 commences to record the delivery of fuel, its movement away from zero position opens the second switch |25 since the pressure by the pin |66 on the arm 1| is relieved and the spring |13 `draws the rocking member downwardly, thereby rocking the end of the arm |10 upwardly and drawing upwardly, by means of link |15, the lever |4| controlling this switch |25 and thereby opening it. 66

However, so long as the holding switch |24 is closed, the electro-magnet is energized and the motor circuit remains closed. When the nozzle is returned to its support, the holding switch |24 is opened, interrupting the holding circuit and the motor circuit is opened, stopping the fluid elevating devices immediately.

The holding switch |24 is closed in the following manner:

So soon as the nozzle is lifted from its support, the shaft ||0 is adapted to be rotated under the influence of the spring |24 and this causes the arm |34, fixed thereon, to be turned in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 9. 'I'his upward movement of the arm |34 draws up the link |11 which is connected with the arm |33 oi' a switch controlling bell crank '|33, |35 pivotally mounted on the control box 38, the other arm of which controls the contacts |24. The contacts |24 are thus closed immediately upon the 'u removal of the nozzle from its support and thus one of the-two switches in the holding circuit is closed. Y

The holding circuit is completed so that the pump will start delivering fluid as soon as the dials 46 are returned to zero position. The rocking lever 10 has connected to its end the link |15 lea-ding downwardly to one arm |4| of a switch actuating bell crank |4|, |42 pivotally mounted on the motor control box 33 containing the circuit cosers and auxiliary devices of the motor circuit. When this link |15 is elevated by the upward movement of the lever |10 under the influence of the spring |13, the contacts |25 are opened. The contacts are held open or permitted to separate by virtue of their inherent resiliency. So soon as this switch |25 is closed by contact of pin |66 with the arm |14, the holding switch |24, being held closed, the holding circuit is established. Current then flows from the main |45, through contacts |25, line |46, through contacts |24, line |41, solenoid winding |49 and line |50 to the main |52. 'I'his circuit energizes the electro-magnet |49 thereby closing a series of contacts, to wit., contacts |5| of the motor circuit and a pair of contacts |53 in a holding circuit. In the holding circuit thus established. current flows from the main |45 through the contacts |53, line |54 and through the closed contacts |24, main |41 and solenoid winding |49 and line |50 to the negative main |52. The holding circuit remains established so long as contacts |24 remain closed and even though contacts |25 are open by the rotation of the dial from zero in recording the units of fluid delivered by the pump. ('I'he movement of the pin |66 away from the arm |14 permits the spring |13 to pull up the link |15 and open the contacts |25.)

At the same time, the motor circuit is established since current flows from the main |45, line |55, contacts |5I, line |56 to the motor 24, line |50, contacts |5| to the negative main |52.

When the zero on the indicator dial starts to move away from the index, the lever |10 and its link |15 raises under the influence of spring |13 and the contacts |25 are opened. However, due to the holding circuit, the solenoid remains energized to keep the motor circuit closed and the motor continues to run until the contacts |24 are opened on the return of the nozzle to its support, the depression of the supporting lever ||2, of course, rotating the shaft ||0 and arm |34 in a clockwise direction, depressing the link |11 and opening the circuits |24. This de-energizes the solenoid and the motor circuit is broken and the motor comes to rest stopping the pump.

During the delivery of fluid, as the meter shaft 68 rotates, the jack shaft 14 is rotated, which in turn rotates the dials 46 by means of the pinions 06, the pinions 36 and annular gears 12 being so proportioned that the numerals representing the several units of measure are brought past the index as units of fluid are delivered by the pump. While at the same time the stub shaft 54 is also rotated from the jack shaft 66 to indicate fractions of each unit as they are delivered. If at any time while the pump is operating, the valve should be closed and the pressure built up within the system, such pressure, after a predetermined maximum is reached, will open a suitable and well known pressure relief valve and permit the fluid to return to the reservoir from which it has been drawn through the pipe 30.

In order to give an audible indication of each unit of iluid passing through the meter 32, the jack shaft carries a cam |64, Figure 4, adapted to actuate the clapper |65 of a bell |66 as the jack shaft rotates in .one direction when driven by the meter. When, however, the jack shaft is declutched from the meter in the opposite direction driven by the dials in their ,return to initial position, provision is made to permit the cam to ride past the clapper without causing its vibration. Pivotally mounted, say, upon a pin |68 a lever |69, |10 is free to rock. The downwardlyl extending arm |69 is adapted to be engaged by the shoulders |63 on the cam |64. The clapper |65 is attached to an upwardly extending clapper supporting lever |15, also adapted to rock on the pivot |66. The upwardly extending arm |10 of the rocking lever 69, |10 is held against the pin |13 by the spring |14 so that as the s houlders |63 on the cam |64 come into contact with the arm |69 of the lever, the arm |10 thereof will force the clapper supporting lever |15 and clapper |65 away from the bell and so soon as the shoulder |63 has ridden past the arm |69, the spring |05 will bring the clapper against the bell |66, as will be understood. Since the jack shaft 14 rotates once for every two units of measure of fluid delivered, the bell |66 is struck once for each half revolution of the jack shaft. When the jack shaft rotates in the opposite direction as the dials are returned to zero position, the shoulders |63 are permitted to ride past the clapper lever |15 by reason of the fact that the lever |69, |10 is free to rotate in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 4, away from pin |13 against the action of spring |14 withcut, therefore, moving the clapper lever |15.

The rotation of the jack shaft is also utilized -to operate mechanism. registering the total amount of fluid delivered. Thus, each timethe shoulder |63 on the cam |64 actuates the arm |69, in a counter-clockwise direction, a pin |16 on the clapper support |15 rocks the end of a lever |18, the other end of which is connected by a link |60 to any convenient type of totalizer |62. Thus when the jack shaft rotates through one-half revolution, the bell |66 is struck once for each unit of fluid measured by the meter and delivered by the nozzle, but when the jack shaft rotates in the opposite direction, the clapper is allowed to remain stationary so that no audible indication is given.

The operation of the registering device for liquid dispensing apparatus is apparent from the foregoing description. Briefly, the cycle of the operations for each transaction is as follows:

It may be assumed that the indicating means or dial occupies a position to which it has been moved from initial or zero position in a preceding transaction, so that a number representing the number of units of liquid delivered in the previous transaction is visible before the window. When the liquid delivery means, i. e., the nozzle and/or valve 22, is removed from its support ||2 preparatory to delivering liquid in the subsequent transaction, the meter is disengaged'from the indicating mechanism 46 so that the indicating mechanism may be automatically returned to zero. At the same time, a switch |24 in a holding circuit for the motor circuit is closed. The fluid elevating means 26 is not started, however, until the indicating means has returned to initial position. The clutch 90, 92 between the meter shaft 16 and the drive 14, 84, 12 for the indicating mechanism 46 is, therefore, held released until the indicating means 46 reaches initial tposition, at which time the meter 32 is again automatlcallyclutched to the indicating mechanism 4l and the holding circuit for the motor circuit is closed and the motor commences to operate to actuate the fluid elevating means.

The delivery of liquid, of course, actuates the meter thereby causing the movement of the indicating means away from the initial position to indicate the number of units of liquid delivered. The operation of the liquid elevating means continues until the fluid delivery means 22 is returned to its support H2 when the motor circuit is broken by interrupting the holding circuit by opening contacts |24,` the meter remainlng clutched to the indicating means whereby the indication of the number of units of liquid delivered in that transaction remains visible. 'I'here is thus an elapse of time between the removal of the fluid deliverymeans from its support until the fluid elevating means commences to operate. The elapsed time mechanism is illustrated as the return rotation oi' the indicating means to initial position, but it will be obvious that, in some circumstances, any suitable elapsed time means may be availed of whereby'the operation of the fluid lelevating means is delayed for any purpose after a cycle of operations commences.

Figures and 11 show a control box 3l provided with suitable contacts and an electro-magnet, whereby the circuits may be controlled as i1- lustrated in the diagram of Figure 12.

In the bottom of the box is formed a threaded opening 2|l for the reception of a conduit 2|4 :through which may pass the leads |45 and |52 as well as the wires |56, |58 to the motor 28. A panel 2li within the box Il supports in suitable fashion the various stationary contacts and the electro-magnet. The amature 2|2 of the electro-magnet preferably has pivotally mounted thereona rod 2 I2 upon which the several movable contacts of the switches |5i, |5| and |52 are mounted While it will be obvious that a single set of j contacts in the motor circuit |55, i5l, lll, i", lll is sumcient for the purpose of controlling that circuit, in order to meet the require- 4ments of re underwriters, themotor circuit is interrupted at four points as shown, and, similarly, the motor control circuit is interrupted at two points, l, |52. The shafts 211,- 2|8 upon which are the levers |14 and |42 operating the contacts |25, .|2I, are shown conveniently journailed inthecover for the box.v

I t will thus be seen that a fluid metering device has been provided which is suitable for dispensing gasoline and other motor fuels at wayside service stations. It is adaptable to housings of different configuration and design so that different distributors mayadopt distinctive housings without necessitating a change in the construction of the operating mechanism. Only the total number of units of fluid delivered in a particular transaction is visible alike to purchaser and attendant and such indication remains visible until the nextsale, so that all chance of confusion is eliminated. Furthermore, the return of the indicating dial to zero position is entirely automatic, all mechanism being so enclosed as to preclude-tampering by a dishonest dealer. Both the return oi the dial to initial position and the "starting of the pump are initiated by the removal of the nozzle from its support and the hose is filled with fluid at all times thus assuring the `purchaser full measure.

Various modifications will occur to those skilled in the art in the disposition and configuration of the component elements going to make up this invention as a whole as well as in the selection and/or combinations of certain of the features independently of others or the substitution there- 5 for of other means accomplishing the same result, and no limitation is intended by the phraseology of the foregoing description or illustrations in the accompanying drawings, except as indicated in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid flow establishing means, fluid metering means, in combination, indicating means, operative connections between the indicating means`and the metering means comprising clutch means and a clutch operating lever, and releasable clutch lever holding means to move the clutch lever.

2. In fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid flow establishing means, a meter and fluid delivery means, in combination, indicating means, operative connections between the indicating means and the meter comprising clutch means, a movable support for the fluidA delivery means and clutch releasing means adapted to be controlled by the support. l

3. In fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid flow establishing means, a meter and uid delivery means, in combination, indicating means, operative connections between the indicating means and the meter comprising clutch means, a movable support for the fluid delivery means, clutch releasing means adapted to be controlled by the support, means to move said clutch releasing means comprising retaining means for the clutch releasing means.

4. In fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid flow establishing means, a meter and fluid delivery means, in combination, indicating means, operative connections between the indicating means and the meter comprising clutch means, a movable support for the fluid delivery means, clutch releasing means adapted to be controlled by the support, means to move said clutch releasing means, and retaining means for the clutch releasing means.

5. In fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid flow establishing means, a meter and fluid delivery means, in combination, indicating means, a meter shaft, operative connections between the meter shaft and the indicating means comprising clutch mechanism, a clutch actuating lever, a movable support for the fluid delivery means, rocking means adapted to be engaged by the movable support and having means to engage the clutch actuating lever to move the same to disengage the clutch.

6. In fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid flow establishing means, a meter and fluid delivery means, in combination, indicating means, means to return the indicating means to initial position, a meter shaft, operative connections between the meter shaft and the indicating means comprising clutch mechanism, a clutch actuating lever, means adapted to be rocked in one direction by the delivery means, a latching pawl carried with the rocking means to engage the clutch actuating lever to move the same to disengage the clutch and release the meter shaft from the indicating means and permit the indicating means to be returned to initial position.

7. In fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid flow establishing means, a meter and fluid delivery means, in combination, indicating means, means to return the indicating means tc initial 75 position, a meter shaft, operative connections between the meter shaft and the indicating means, comprising clutch mechanism, a clutch actuating lever, means adapted to be rocked in one direction by the weight of the delivery means, a hook pawl carried with the rocking means to engage the clutch actuating lever to move the same to disengage the clutch and release the meter shaft from the meter and permit the indicating means to be returned to initial position, said returning means being adapted to release the hook pawl from the clutch lever when the indicating means has returned to initial position.

8. In fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid flow establishing means, a meter and fluid delivery means, in combination, indicating means, means to return the indicating means to initial position, a meter shaft, operative connections between the meter shaft and the indicating means comprising clutch mechanism, a clutch actuating lever, fluid delivery means, rocking means movable in one direction by the delivery means, a hook pawl carried with the rocking means to engage the clutch actuating lever to move the same to disengage the clutch and release the meter shaft from the meter and permit the indicating means to be returned to initial position, a second rocking means adapted to be moved in one direction by the returning means to disengage the hook pawl.

9. In fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid flow establishing means, a meter and fluid delivery means, in combination, indicating means, means to return the indicating means to initial position, a jack shaft, operative connections between the jack shaft and the indicating means, operative connections between the jack shaft and meter comprising clutch mechanism, a movable support for the fluid delivery means, a rock shaft, a clutch actuating lever freely rotatable on the shaft, an arm fixed thereon adapted to be engaged by the movable support, a second arm fixed thereon, a hook pawl having a tripping arm and carried with the second arm to engage the clutch actuating lever to move the same to disengage the clutch, and release the jack shaft from the meter and permit the indicating means to be returned to initial position, a rocking member having an arm engageable by the returning means and a second arm to engage the tripping arm on the hook pawl and cause it to disengage the clutch actuating lever and permit the clutch to reengage.

10. In fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid flow establishing means, a meter and fluid delivery means, in combination, indicating means, means to return the indicating means to initial position, a jack shaft, operative connections between the jack shaft and the indicating means, operative connections between the jack shaft and meter comprising clutch mechanism, a movable support for the fluid delivery means, a rock shaft, a clutch actuating lever freely rotatable on the shaft, an arm fixed thereon adapted to be engaged by the movable support, spring means to rock the shaft in the opposite direction, a second arm fixed thereon, a hook pawl having a tripping arm and carried with the second arm to engage the clutch actuating lever to move the same to disengage the clutch, and release the jack shaft from the meter and permit the indicating means to be returned to initial position, a rocking member having an arm engageable by the returning means and a second arm to engage the tripping arm on the hook pawl and cause it to disengage the clutch actuating lever and permit the clutch to reengage, and spring means to rock the member in the opposite direction away from the arm on theV hook pawl.

11. In fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid flow establishing means, a meter and fluid 'delivery means, in combination, indicating means, operative connections between the indicating means and the meter comprising clutch means, a movable support for the fluid delivery means, clutch releasing means adapted to be controlled by the support, and retaining means for the clutch releasing means.

12. In fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid elevating means, fluid metering means and fluid delivery means, in combination, indicating means, operative connections between the indicating means and the metering means comprising clutch means, rocking means comprising a disengageable means to release the clutch, means to return the indicating means to initial position, a second rocking means adapted to be rocked by the returning means at initial position to cause the release of the clutch, a switch in the motor circuit, switch operating means, a link between the switch operating means and the ilrst rocking means, a second switch, operating means therefor, a link between the second rocking means and said last named switch operating means to close said switch when the returning means returns to initial position.

13. In fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid elevating means, fluid metering means and fluid delivery means, in combination, indicating means, a jack shaft, operative connections between the jack shaft and the indicating means, operative connections between the metering means and the jack shaft comprising clutch means, means normally retaining the clutch elements in engagement, an operating shaft, a bell crank loosely mounted on the operating shaft and having one arm adapted to release the clutch, a lug on the other arm, a pivoted support for the delivery means, an operating shaft controlled by said support, means tending to rock the operating shaft in one direction, an arm ilxed on the operating shaft proximate the second arm of the clutch operating bell crank, a hook pawl comprising a tripping arm and pivoted on said arm and adapted to engage the lug on the clutch operating bell cra`nk to rotate the same to disengage the clutch, means normally tending to cause the hook pawl to engage the lug, a gear rotating with the indicating means, a segmental gear in mesh therewith, a spring to rotate the segmental gear to return the indicating means to initial position, a pin on the segmental gear, a three sided rectangular pivoted rocking frame, means normally tending to rock said frame in one direction, one side of said frame being adapted to be depressed against the spring by the pin on the segmental gear at initial position, the other side of said frame being disposed over an arm on the hook pawl to depress the same and cause the release of the clutch operating lever.

14. In fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid elevating means, fluid metering means and fluid delivery means, in combination, indicating means, a jack shaft, operative connections between the jack shaft and the indicating means, operative connections between the metering means and the jack shaft comprising clutch means, means normally retaining the clutch elements in engagement, an operating shaft, a bell crank loosely mounted on the operating shaft and having one arm adapted to release the clutch, a lug on the other arm,'a pivoted support for the delivery means, an operating shaft controlled by said support, means tending to rock the operating shaft in one direction, an arm fixed on the operating shaftv proximate the second arm of'the clutch operating bell crank, a hook pawl comprising a tripping arm and pivoted on said arm and adapted to engage the lug on'the clutch operating bell crarik to rotate the same to disengage the clutch, means normally tending to cause the hook pawl to engage the lug, a gear rotating with the indicating means, a segmental gear in mesh therewith, a spring to rotate the segmental gear to return the indicating means to initial position, a pin on the segmental gear, a three sided rectangular pivoted rocking frame, means normally tending to rock said frame in one direction, one side of said frame being adapted to be depressed against the spring by the vpin on the segmental gear at initial position, the other side of said frame being disposed over an arm on the hook pawl to depress the same and cause the release of the clutch operating lever, a switch in the motor circuit, switch operating means, a link between the switch operating means and the second arm on the operating shaft to close the same when the spring turns the operating :,shaft, a second switch, operating means thereelevating means, fluid metering means and fluid delivery means, in combination, indicating means, a jack shaft, operative connections between the jack shaft and the indicating means, operative connections between the metering means and the jack shaft comprising clutch means, a spring normally retaining the clutch elements in engagement, an operating shaft, a bell crank loosely mounted on the operating shaft and having -.one arm adapted to release the clutch, a lug on the other arm, a pivoted support for the delivery means, a bell crank fixed on the operating shaft whereof one arm extends beneath the support, a spring connected to the other arm and tendwfing to rock the operating shaft in one direction,

another arm fixed on the operating shaft proximate the second arm of the clutch operating bell crank, a T-shaped hook pawl comprising a tripping arm and pivoted on said arm and adapted to engage the lug on the clutch operating bell crank to rotate the same to disengage the clutch, a spring between the second arm and the hook pawl normally tending to cause the hook pawl to engage the lug, a gear rotating with ;the indicating means, a segmental gear in mesh therewith, a spring to rotate the segmental gear to return the indicating means to initial position, a pin on the segmental gear, a three sided rectangular pivoted rocking frame, and a spring normally tending to rock said frame in one direction, one side of said frame being adapted to be depressed against the spring by the pin on the segmental gear at initial position, the other side of said frame being disposed over an arm on the hook pawl to depress the same and cause the release of the clutch operating lever.

16. In fluid dispensing apparatus having fluid elevating means, fluid metering means and fluid delivery means, in combination, indicating means,

'a jack shaft, operative connections between the jack shaft and the indicating means, operative connections between the metering means and the Jack shaft comprising clutch means, a spring normally retaining the clutch elements in engagement, an operating shaft, a bell crank loosely mounted on the operating shaft and having onearm adapted to release the clutch, a lug on the other arm, a pivoted support for the delivery means, a bell crank fixed on the operating shaft whereof one arm extends beneath the support, a spring connected to the other arm and tending to rock the operating shaft in one direction, another arm fixed on the operating shaft proximate the second arm of the clutch operating bell crank, a T-shaped hook pawl comprising a tripping arm and pivoted on said arm and adapted to engage the lug on the clutch operating bell crank to rotate the same to disengage the clutch, a spring between the second arm and the hook pawl normally tending to cause the hook pawl to engage the lug, a gear rotating with the indicating means, a segmental gear in mesh therewith, a spring to rotate the segmental gear to'return the indicating means to initial position, a pin on the segmental gear, a three sided rectangular pivoted rocking frame, a spring normally tending to rock said frame in one direction, one side of said frame being adapted to be depressed against the action of the spring by the pin on the segmental gear at initial position, the other side of said frame being disposed over a tripping arm on the hook pawl to depress the same and cause the release of the clutch operating lever, a switch in the motor circuit, switch operating means, a link between the switch operating means and the second arm on the operating shaft to close said switch when the spring turns the operating shaft, a second switch, operating means therefor, a link between an arm of the rocking frame and said last named switch operating means to close said switch when the segmental gear returns to initial position.

17. A liquid dispensing system including a pump and driving means therefor, a liquid meter for measuring the dispensed liquid, an indicator driven by the meter and having a predetermined initial position, and interlocking means operated by the driving means and indicator for preventing the resetting of said indicator while the said driving means is in operative condition and for preventing the energization of said driving meansl and an electric motor for driving the same, a

switch through which the motor may be energized, a liquid meter for measuring the liquid dispensed, a resettable indicator driven by said meter having a predetermined initial position, and means operated with saidvswitch for preventing the resetting of said indicator while said switch is closed.

20. A liquid dispensing system including a pump and driving means therefor including a control element, a dispensing conduit for receiving liquid from said pump, a liquid meter connected to said conduit for measuring the dispensed liquid, an indicator driven by the meter, means for resetting said indicator, and a device for preventing resetting movement oi' said resetting means and actuated with said driving means so that resetting cannot occur when said element is in position i the operation of said pump.

21. A liquid dispensing system including a dispensing conduit, means for producing a ilow of liquid into said conduit and including an element for controlling said means, a liquid meter connected to said conduit for measuring the dispensed liquid, an indicator driven by the meter, means for resetting said indicator, and a device for preventing resetting movement of said reset-' ting means and connected for operation with said control element so that resetting cannot occur while the said element is in position for effecting a flow of liquid into said conduit.

22. A liquid dispensing system including a pump and an electric motor for driving the same, a switch through which the motor may be ener gized, a liquid meter for measuring the liquid dispensed, a resettable indicator driven by said meter having a predetermined initial position, and means operated with said switch for preventing the resetting of said indicator while said switch is closed and operated by the departure of the indicator from initial position to prevent the closing of the switch.

23. A liquid dispensing system including a pump and an electric motor for driving the same, a switch through which the motor may be energized, a liquid meter for measuring the liquid dispensed, a resettable indicator driven by said meter having a predetermined initial position, a movable limit member for determining said initial position in resetting, and a device moved with the switch, said limit member being moved by the indicator at its departure from initial position into interlocking relationship with said device whereby to prevent a reclosing of the switch until the indicator has been reset into initial position.

24. A liquid dispensing system including a liquid meter, a resettable indicator driven by said meter, means for producing a ow of liquid through said meter and including a control element therefor, means for resetting said indicator, and a device for preventing resetting movement of said means and connected to said control element so that resetting cannot occur while the control element is in position for effecting a flow of liquid through said meter.

25. A liquid dispensing system including a discharge conduit for liquid, means for delivering liquid into said conduit and including a device for effecting and stopping said delivery, means for measuring the iiow of liquid through said conduit, an indicator driven by said measuring means, and means controlled by said device for preventing the resetting of said indicator while said device is in effecting position.

26. A liquid dispensing system including a discharge conduit for liquid, means for delivering liquid into one end of said conduit so that a ow may be induced therethrough and including a device for eiecting and stopping said delivery, a ow meter for measuring the flow of liquid through the conduit and actuated by the move-l ment of liquid therethrough, an indicator driven by said meter, and means controlled by said device for preventing the resetting of said indicator while said device is in eiecting position.

27. In a liquid dispensing apparatus, the combination of power means for dispensing liquid, control means for controlling operation of said power means including mechanism manually movable for initiating operation of said power means, registering mechanism for indicating the amount of liquid dispensed, said control means and said registering mechanism having members for controlling said ilrst named mechanism, said members being engageable when said registering mechanism is in a predetermined position and released when said members have been relatively moved.

HARRY T. GOSS. 

